IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS)

e-ISSN: 2319-2380, p-ISSN: 2319-2372. Volume 4, Issue 4 (Jul. - Aug. 2013), PP 84-90
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Prevalence of Worm Infection in Yankasa sheep and West

African dwarf goats in Lafia Town and Environs, Nigeria.
1

D. I. Hassan1*, S.T. Mbap2 and S. A. Naibi2

Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Bauchi state. Nigeria.

Abstract: The study was conducted in Lafia town, districts and wards over a 12 months period (May, 2010
April, 2011) to investigate the prevalence of helminthosis/ eimeria infection in Yankasa sheep and West African
dwarf goats. A total of 864 faecal samples comprising 432 each of Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats
were evaluated. Worm prevalence was higher among Yankasa sheep than West African dwarf goats. Prevalence
according to age groups among Yankasa sheep were, above 12 months (34.7%), 6 12months (28.7%) and less
than 6 months (2.1%) while West African dwarf goats above 12 months had the highest prevalence of 39.4%, 6
12months (20.8%) and less than 6 months (2.3%). The highest prevalence of 21.29% in Yankasa sheep was
obtained in the late rains followed by 15.97, 14.81and 13.43% during early rains, early and late dry seasons
respectively. For West African dwarf goats the highest prevalence was 17.12%, during late rains followed by
16.73, 16.20 and 12.73% during early rains, early and late dry seasons respectively. Furthermore sheep were
more burdened than goats. Female sheep and goats had higher degree of infection during the rainy season
while male counterparts showed higher degree of infection during the dry season. In the study area therefore,
preferential rearing of Yankasa sheep should be exploited and greater attention should be paid to West African
dwarf goats, older sheep and goats and, rainy season in worm/ eimeria control.
Key words: Prevalence, Worm, Yankasa sheep, West African dwarf goats, Lafia

I.

Introduction:

Africa has about 205 million sheep and 174 million goats representing approximately 17 and 31% of
the worlds totals respectively (FAO, 1990). Within the continent, the distributions of these small ruminants
vary widely showing higher concentration in the dry than humid areas. Nigerias small ruminant population is
about 22.1 million sheep and 34.5 million goats, representing about 63.7% of the total domestic grazing
livestock (Lamorde, 1997; Shaib et al., 1997). They are also concentrated in the northern dry-hot than the
southern humid parts of Nigeria.
The role of livestock in human development is enormous. Livestock production plays a crucial role in
socio-economic changes such as improvement in income and quality of life. They serve primarily as sources of
meat, but also provide milk and skin (Broomker et al., 1994). Sheep and goats produce only about 16% of the
worlds meat, despite high contribution to total world livestock population. Milk and skin production is similarly
low since these potentials have not been fully exploited.
African small ruminants produce only 14 and 15% of the worlds milk and skin respectively but 50%
of meat consumption in Nigeria (ILCA, 1987). Furthermore in Nigeria they provide about 36.5% of total protein
intake (NISER/CBN, 1991) which still falls short of the minimum animal protein requirement of 50 gram
recommended by FAO/WHO (1993). They however, have potentials for improvement since they have high
reproductive efficiency even under harsh environment. Lamorde (1996) reported that when properly harnessed,
these farm animals can meet the protein requirement of the nation. Proteins from animal sources are needed for
physical and intellectual development as well as for developing immunity against diseases (Atinmo and
Akenyele, 1983).
Many research rank helminthosis, especially in the form of parasitic gastroenteritis, along with PPR
and pneumonia as the major constraints to increase sheep and goat production in the humid zone. The
prevalence and seasonal distribution of gastro intestinal parasites of small ruminants have been reported from
most parts of the world and in Nigeria (Cheijina, 1986; Nwosu et al., 1996; Adejinmi and Harrison, 1996). In
Africa, about 97% of sheep and goats are carriers of gastrointestinal parasites.
Helminthosis therefore has long been recognized and still remains a problem responsible for losses in
ruminant production in almost all regions of the world. Economic losses are caused through lower fertility,
reduced work capacity, involuntary culling, reduction in food intake and lower weight gains and milk
production, treatment costs, and mortality in heavily parasitized animals (Gatongi, et al., 1997; Perry and
Randolph, 1999; Perry, et al., 2002; Tibbo, et al., 2006). Matika et al. (2002) reported that, helminthosis is one
disease aspect that has not received adequate attention. This is probably because their effects are not generally
immediately manifested through multiple mortalities as in bacterial and viral infection. In addition most small
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Prevalence of Worm Infection in Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats in Lafia Town and
holder and backyard practitioners have little or no knowledge about this disease. Yet small ruminant infection
has significant effect not only on the animals but also on the farmers livelihood including general welfare and
health status. The control of helminthosis has largely been limited to the use of chemotherapeutic agents with
high efficacy and are relatively safe Alawa et al. (2008).

II.

Materials And Methods

Study Area
The study was conducted in Lafia and environs in Nasarawa South senatorial district of Nasarawa state,
Nigeria. Lafia is the state capital of Nasarawa state which lies between latitude 7 o 45 and 9o 37East. It shares
boundary with Kaduna a state to the north, Plateau state to the east, Taraba and Benue state to the south, while
Kogi and Federal Capital Territory flank it to the west (Binbol and Markus 2005). It has an altitude of 181.5m
above sea level. The state has a land area of 27,137.8 square kilometers with a population of 1,863,275. Lafia is
located on longitude 8.30oN and latitude 8.34oE. It has two distinct seasons (NPC, 2006; Aboki et al., 2007).
The dry season is from November to April and the wet season from May to October. During the period study
most of the rains fell between the months of May and October. The driest months were December, January and
March. The mean relative humidities varied from 36 - 86% with the lowest values from December to April. The
mean monthly maximum temperatures were from 31.8 oC - 39.1 oC and minimum from 17.1 oC - 26.2 oC
(NIMET, 2009). The geographical area is largely inhabited by people whose main occupation is subsistence
agriculture; including the rearing of small ruminants; others are artisans, civil servants, traditionalists and
herbalists.
Soil and Vegetation
Aboki et al. (2007) reported that, the major soil units of Lafia and environs are inceptisols. They
developed from the recently accumulated alluvial sediments of flood plains. The soils are moist and poorly
drained almost throughout the year with soil water table being high. Lafia lies within the guinea savanna.
Though largely southern guinea savanna, there are some elements of northern guinea savanna intersperse
thickets, grasslands, tree savanna, fringing woodlands or gallery forest along the valleys (Lloeje, 1985). The
trees are between 15 - 20m and grasses up to 5 meters tall. In the rainy season grasses and leaves are green and
fresh, while in the dry season, they are destroyed through withering or bush fire (Aboki et al., 2007).
Experimental Animals
The population under study was Yankasa Sheep and West African Dwarf Goat in Lafia and its
environs. Eight hundred and sixty-four Yankasa Sheep and West African Dwarf goats of various sexes and ages
belonging to 135 farmers from the districts/wards were included in the survey. The management was the
extensive and semi-intensive systems. The extensive system was usually carried out during the dry season
whereby animals were allowed to roam and fed for themselves without a shepherd during the day and returned
to their owners homestead in the evening. During the rainy season when arable crops grow, animals were semiintensively managed. They were taken out for grazing from late morning till evening where herd size was small,
animals were tethered.
Faecal sample collection and Analysis
Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum using clean polythene bags. Collections were
carried out weekly from the month of May, 2010 to April, 2011. Total samples collected were 864, this
comprised of 432 and 432 samples from the Yankasa Sheep and West African dwarf goat respectively. The
samples also consisted of 209 and 223 from male and female Yankasa sheep and, 206 and 226 from male and
female West African dwarf goats respectively. Samples were properly labeled with masking tape indicating
breed, sex and age. They were stored in a refrigerator at 4oC and transported to the National Veterinary Research
Institute Vom, Plateau state for analysis.
Faecal samples were examined for the presence of eggs of the various helminthes species and number
of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) determined using the modified McMaster technique (Whitlock, 1948;
Thienpont et al., 1986).
Statistical Analysis
The data generated were analyzed using percentage and chi-square test procedures as contained in the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 17, 2011) to determine statistical differences in
prevalence/ faecal egg count (FEC) among the following:
(i) Yankasa sheep and west African dwarf goat.
(ii) Sex: male and female
(iii) Age group in months above 12, 6-12 and <6
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Prevalence of Worm Infection in Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats in Lafia Town and
(iv) Four season:
(v) Early rain (May July)

III.

Results

General prevalence of helminth parasites and eimeria in Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats
Table 1 showed the prevalence of helminthosis and eimeria. Out of 864 hosts observed 553 hosts were found to
be infected. The overall outcome of the study was 64% prevalence. This study showed 71.42% of nematode
infection, 2.9% trematode infection, 1.27% cestode infection and 24.41% coccidia infection. The total number
of genera observed was 11 in number. 7 genera of nematode, 2 genera of trematode, 1 genera of cestode and 1
Coccidia were observed. The highest prevalence was shown by Heamonchus (39.24%) and lowest prevalence
was shown by Ascaris lumbricoides which were found to infect only West African dwarf goats (0.90%).
Table: 1 Observed genera of different classes with prevalence percentages in Yankasa sheep and West
African dwarf goats

Effect of breeds, sex and age on helminthosis prevalence

Table 2 shows that, 432 Yankasa sheep was observed for helminths prevalence 65.5% showed present
of parasites while 34.5% showed no parasites. In West African dwarf goats a total of 432 were used for
helminthosis prevalence 62.5% showed infection while 37.5% no infection. The influence of the breed was not
significant.
The influence of the sex of Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats shown in Table 2 was not
significant with the highest prevalence in female 33.1% followed by 32.4% in male Yankasa sheep. The West
African dwarf goats had the highest prevalence in female 33.1% and 29.4% was observed in male. The effect of
sex on helminths prevalence showed a not significant difference among the breeds.
Table 2 showed the effect on prevalence with Yankasa sheep above 12 months had the highest
prevalence of 34.7% followed by 28.7% for 6 12 months while those less than 6 months had the least
prevalence of 2.1% which shows a significances difference (P<0.01). Age had a significant (P<0.01) effect on
the prevalence with West African dwarf goats above 12 months had the highest prevalence of 39.4% followed
by 20.8% for 6 12 months while those less than 6 months had the lowest prevalence of 2.3%.
Table 2: Helminthosis prevalence by status in breed, sex and age of the animals
Status
Variables

Parasite presents
No.
(%)

Yankasa sheep
Overall
283
Sex
Male
140
Female
143
Age
<6 months
9
6 12 months
124
>12 months
150
West African Dwarf goats
Overall
270
Sex
Male
127
Female
143
Age
<6 months
10
6 12 months
90
>12 months
170

** = P< 0.01

Parasite absent
No.
(%)

65.5

149

34.5

32.4
33.1

68
81

15.7
18.8

2.1
28.7
34.7

4
41
104

0.9
9.5
24.1

62.5

162

37.5

29.4
33.1

80
82

18.5
19.0

2.3
20.8
39.4

0
47
115

0
10.9
26.6

X2

ns

**

ns

**

ns = not significant
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Prevalence of Worm Infection in Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats in Lafia Town and
Influence of helminths count on sex and age of the animals
Table 3 showed the influence of count on sex and age helminthosis prevalence in Yankasa sheep and
West African dwarf goats. The highest prevalence of 53.9% followed by 37.5% and 8.6% in single, none and
double count while no triple in Yankasa sheep respectively. The West African dwarf goats had also the highest
in single with 51.2% followed by none count 34.5% while double and triple had 14.1% and 0.2% respectively.
The influence of sex on helminths count is shown in Table 3. The effect of count on the sex had not significant
difference among the male and female Yankasa sheep. On the West African dwarf goats, the sex also had not
significant difference (X2 = 4.866, P<0.01, d.f.= 3).
Age had a significant (P<0.01) effect on prevalence with Yankasa sheep above 12 months had the
highest prevalence of (32.4%) single count compare to (19.7%) for 6 12 months and (1.9%) least prevalence
of less than 6 months as shown in Table 3. West African dwarf goats had a significant (P<0.01) effect on
prevalence above 12 months with highest prevalence of (25.2%) single count compare to (24.1%) least
prevalence of (1.9%) less than 6 months.
Table 3: Helminthosis prevalence by count on breed, sex and age of the animals

Variables

Count
Single
Double
No.
(%)
No.
(%)

None
No.
(%)

Yankasa sheep
Overall
149 34.5
221
51.2
Sex
Male
68
15.7
116
26.9
Female
81
18.8
105
24.3
Age
<6 months
4
0.9
8
1.9
6 12 months 41
9.5
104
24.1
>12 months 104 24.1
109
25.2
West African dwarf goats
Overall
162 37.5
233
53.9
Sex
Male
80 18.5
111
25.7
Female
82 19.0
122
28.2
Age
<6 months
0
0.0
8
1.8
6 12 months 47
10.9
85
19.7
>12 months 115
26.6
140
32.4
** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05, ns = Not significant

X2

Triple
No.
(%)

61

14.1

0.2

24
37

5.6
8.6

0
1

0.0
0.2

1
19
41

0.2
4.4
9.5

0
1
0

0.0
0.2
0.0

37

8.6

0.0

16
21

3.7
4.9

0
0

0.0
0.0

1
5
31

0.2
1.2
7.2

0
0
0

0.0
0.0
0.0

1.610
11.552**

ns
6.797 *

Effect on type of infection on breeds, sex and age of the animals

Table 4 showed the influence of type of infection on breeds, sex and age in Yankasa sheep and West
African dwarf goats. The type of infection in Yankasa sheep is low (11.8%) in female followed by male (7.2%)
as compare severe (1.6%) female and (2.5%) male. These show that there was no association between the level
of EPG and the degree of infection although higher EPG was recorded in the moderate degree of infection in
male and female sheep (19.7%). The West African dwarf goats had also the highest in moderate with (29.2%) in
female followed by (28.5%). The effect of sex on helminths prevalence showed a not significant difference
among the breeds.
Age had a significant (P<0.05) effect on prevalence with Yankasa sheep above 12 months had the highest
prevalence of (31.3%) moderate compare to (24.3%) for 6 - 12 months and (2.1%) least prevalence of less than
6 months as shown in Table 4. West African dwarf goats had a significant (P<0.05) effect on prevalence above
12 months with highest prevalence of (25.7%) moderate compare to (12.5%) for 6 -12 months and least
prevalence of (1.2%) less than 6 months.
Table 4:

Helminthosis prevalence by type of infection on breed, sex and age of the animals

Variables
Yankasa sheep
Overall
Sex
Male
Female
Age
<6 months
6 12 months

No.

None
(%)

Low
No.
(%)

149

34.5

68
81

15.7
18.8

4
41

0.9
9.5

X2

Moderate (+)
No.
(%)

Severe (++)
No. (%)

0.2

249

57.6

33

7.6

1
0

0.2
0.0

123
126

28.4
29.2

16
17

3.7
3.9

ns

0
1

0.0
0.2

9
105

2.0
24.3

0
18

0.0
4.1

15.709*

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Prevalence of Worm Infection in Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats in Lafia Town and
>12 months
104
West African dwarf goats
Overall
162
Sex
Male
80
Female
82
Age
<6 months
0
6 12 months
48
>12 months
114
** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05,

24.1

0.0

135

31.3

15

3.5

37.5

82

18.9

170

39.4

18

4.1

18.5
19.0

31
51

7.1
11.8

85
85

19.7
19.7

11
7

2.5
1.6

0.0
3
0.6
11.1
31
7.2
26.4
48 11.1
ns = Not significant

5
54
111

1.2
12.5
25.7

1
5
12

0.2
1.2
2.7

ns
19.289**

Seasonal prevalence of helminthosis and eimeria in Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats
The influence of season on helminthosis is shown in Table 5. Season had not significant (P<0.05)
influence on prevalence of helminthosis and eimeria in Yankasa sheep. The highest prevalence 21.29% was
obtained in the late rainy season followed by 15.97% and 14.81% in the early rain and early dry season
respectively, whereas the late dry season had the lowest prevalence of 13.43%.
Season had not significant (P<0.05) influence on prevalence of helminthosis and eimeria in West
African dwarf goats. The highest prevalence was 17.12% in late rain followed by 16.43% and 16.20% in early
rain and early dry season respectively while the lowest was 12.73% in late dry season.
Table 5: Helminthosis prevalence in Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats by season.
Variables
Yankasa sheep
Seasons
Overall
Early Rain
Late Rain
Early Dry
Late Dry
West African dwarf goats
Season
Overall
Early Rain
Late Rain
Early Dry
Late Dry
** = P<0.01

X2

Not infected
N
%

Infected
N

149
39
16
44
50

34.49
9.03
3.70
10.19
11.57

283
69
92
64
58

65.5
15.97
21.29
14.81
13.43

162
36
37
37
52

37.5
8.33
8.56
8.56
12.03

270
70
74
71
55

62.5
16.20
17.12
16.43
12.73

IV.

62.173**

55.532**

Discussion:

Helminths species of Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats in Lafia.
Most of the helminth species reported in this study viz; Ascaris lumbricoides, Bunostomum
trigonocephalum, Chabertia, Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostomum columbianum, Strogyloides papillosus,
Trichostrongylus columbriformis, Fasciola hepatica, Paramphistomum, Moniezia expansa and Eimeria have
also been reported in sheep and goats in Nigeria by Fabiyi (1970; 1973), Fakae and Chiejina (1991), Nwosu et
al. (1996), Australia (Besier and Love, 2003), Bhilai (Pathak et al., 2000), France (Silvestee et al., 2000),
Senegal (Ndao et al., 1991), India (Jilhendran et al., 2001). In the present study, a higher prevalence of
helminthosis was observed in sheep than in the goats which is in agreement with other works in Ethiopia
(Teklye, 1991) and elsewhere in the world (Waruiru et al., 2005; Asif et al., 2008) and this is assumed to be due
to the grazing habit of the sheep where they graze closer to the ground fostering opportunity of exposure to
parasites. In this regard, beside the grazing habit of the sheep, the communal grazing area of sheep and goats
practiced in the study area could put the goats in a risk of acquiring the infection from the sheep (Dagnachew et
al., 2011); furthermore, it is assumed that sheep do have a considerably higher immunological response to
gastrointestinal parasites compared with that of goats (Urquhart et al., 1996). Nematodes were more prevalent
in the study area than other genera which agree with Bejsovec (1991), Tembely and Hansen (1996) who
reported the dominance of nematodes in their work. A significant difference in the prevalence of Haemonchus
contortus has been recorded between different breeds of sheep and goats (Besier and Love, 2003; Waruiru et al.,
2005; Chaudhary et al., 2007).
The main trematode species recovered from the present study were Fasciola and Paramphistomum.
Durrani et al. (1981) and Malik et al. (1995), on the other hand, reported very high prevalence of fasciolosis in
Jhelum valley and Punjab. Bilqees (1988) identified F. hepatica to be one of the most common infections in
sheep but relatively less common in goats. Paramphistomum are called as rumen flukes, since a large number of

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Prevalence of Worm Infection in Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats in Lafia Town and
species have been described from rumen and reticulum of domestic and wild ruminants of tropical and
subtropical areas (Soulsby, 1982; Urquhart et al., 1988).
The only cestode observed in the ruminants was Monieza spp, with sheep having higher prevalence
than goats, which is similar what was reported in Ethiopia (Sissay et al., 2008). The occurrence of this parasite
elsewhere in the tropics has been described and is associated with ingestion of oribatid mites infected with cysts
of Moniezia spp (Xiao and Herd 1992; Kumsa et al., 2011), but it was in disagreement with other reports in the
country (Abebe and Esayasu, 2001; Tefera et al., 2011). The disagreement might be due to use of treatments
against cestodes in the area.
The prevalence of coccidia spp reported in the current study was higher in sheep than goats. This
agrees with the reports of Kanyari (1993) and Harper and Penzhorn (1999) that high prevalence of coccidiosis in
Kenyan livestock sheep may possibly due to the favorable climate.
Influence of helminthosis prevalence on breeds, sex and age animals
Helminthosis may differ in importance among these animals, though no valid comparisons between the
two species have been made, although the same helminths parasites have been found in both species in an area.
It would seem logical that Yankasa sheep would suffer heavier infestation because they graze succulent grasses
which provide a favorable environment for the development and survival of worm larvae, while West African
dwarf goats prefer to browse trees and shrubs. Results obtained in this study showed, the helminthosis
prevalence in West African dwarf goats was lower as compared to Yankasa sheep, although there was not
significant differences among the two breeds and those that were not infected with helminthosis. This agrees
with the reports of Baker et al. (2001) who reported breeds differences in small ruminants from studies
involving the small east African breeds which emerged as resistant when compared with other breeds. Lah
(2003) reported that there was a significant differences among Sheep and Goat breeds in helminthosis
prevalence. Chiroma (1996), Hielscher et al. (2006) and have stated that susceptibility to parasites vary
according to breeds. However influence of sex was not significantly different which according to Boag and
Thomas (1971), sex does not really appear to have a direct influence on epidemiology of helminthosis excepts
for the contribution in which the ewe in particular makes to pasture contamination and transmission of infection
during pregnancy and lactation through peri-paturient rise in her faecal egg output. The study further revealed
that sex of the animal did not show significant association with the prevalence of the parasites and degree of
EPG. The absence of association between sexes is consistent with previous reports (Keyyu et al., 2003; Regassa
et al., 2006; Ghanem et al., 2009). However, Dagnachew et al. (2011) reported a higher prevalence of helminth
infection in females. In contrast, Gualy et al. (2006) and Raza et al. (2007) have documented higher prevalence
of helminth infection in rams.
The observed significant effect of age Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats on helminths
prevalence corroborates the reports of (Tesfaheywet, 2012) who stated that, there is a relationship between
infection and age of animals. He further documented that, there are instances where younger animals were
reported to be resistant to parasitic infection. The higher prevalence rate observed among the older than the
younger animals, in this study implies that older animals are more susceptible to helminthosis. This tallies with
Umoh et al. (1982) who reported that parasitism is more prevalent in animals of 24 months and above than in
those of lower ages. On the contrary, Lah (2003) and Dafur (2006) reported higher prevalence in younger than
adult sheep and goats respectively. Dough and Morum (1993) reported higher infection rates in lambs than in
older sheep.
Influence of helminthosis prevalence by count on breed, sex and age of animals
This study has shown the presence of mixed infection characterized by the presence of single or
multiple helminth genera both in Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats and this is in agreement with the
findings of other researchers in other countries (Genene, 1994; Abebe and Esayasu, 2001; Haileleul, 2002;
Regassa et al., 2006; Tefera et al., 2011; Kumsa et al., 2011) and elsewhere (Asif et al., 2008; Agyei, 2003;
Githigi et al., 2005; Waruru et al., 2005). This poly-parasitism has been suggested to be an important cause of
morbidity and loss of production in sheep and goats (Kumsa et al., 2010). Moreover, the presence of interaction
and compromization of the immune system of the host by poly-parasitism has been described to increase their
susceptibility to other diseases or parasites (Wang et al., 2006). Hence, poly-parasitism is an important problem
of sheep and goats production in the current study area.
Influence of type of infection on breed, sex and age of animals
The results of this study showed a not significant difference among the sex and season of the breeds
and a significant difference among the age of the animals which was similarly reported by Tefera et al. (2011).
The observed threshold level of eggs numbers in this study area may be regarded as low to moderate that mainly
manifested as subclinical infection or managerial ability (Waruiru et al., 2005). The effect of these infections
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Prevalence of Worm Infection in Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats in Lafia Town and
can be aggravated by the frequent used of anti-helminthes and management system adopted by the livestock
owner. This is described as most economically important form of infection since it occurs in most of the cases
leading to unthriftness and animals are more susceptible to other infections and are continuously contaminating
pastures (Ocaido et al., 1996).
Influence of seasons on animals
The study showed that 65.5 and 62.5% of Yankasa sheep and West African dwarf goats respectively
are infested with one or more helminths in wet and dry season. This finding is lower than the results of other
surveys in sheep and goat carried out in Eastern (Abebe and Esayasu, 2001; Sisay et al., 2007), Western
(Regassa et al., 2006; Tefera et al., 2011), Central (Kumessa et al., 2011), Northern (Genene, 1994; Tesfaye,
1998) and Southern (Hailelue, 2002; Amenu, 2005) Ethiopia. The decreased in the GIT helminthiasis in the
present study compared with the other studies in the country could be due to the existence of unfavorable
climatic or environmental factors that could support prolonged survival and development of infective larval
stage of most helminths (Rossanigo and Grunder, 1995; Andrews, 1999). Lindqvist et al. 2001 also attributed
several factors i.e., warmer and wetter grazing seasons, the greater time animals spend on pasture, ineffective
deworming practices or the development of antihelmintic resistance in parasites. Because most of these studies
are conducted in the part of the country where there is a very favorable humidity and temperature which
generally supports parasitic growth and development (Regassa et al., 2006; Dagnachew et al., 2011). There
existed direct relationship between moisture and prevalence of parasitosis (Regassa et al., 2006) while
desiccation suppress the development and growth of parasite (Dagnachew et al., 2011) thereby reducing the
infection rate.
This study have shown that the parasitic load in the wet season is significantly higher than the dry
season owing to the general understanding that moisture is one of the bionomic factor that support the
development of the infective stage of most parasites (Hansen and Perry, 1994; Urquhart et al., 1996; Ejembi,
2009) which is also true phenomenon in sub-Saharan Africa (Teklay, 1991). Furthermore, management system
(Regassa et al., 2006) could also contribute in the difference in the prevalence. High rain fall also helps in
providing suitable molarities of salt present in soil, which is an important factor for ecdysis. Nonetheless, the
present study was higher in prevalence in sheep and consistent in goats compared with the report by Dagnachew
et al. (2011) from Northwest Ethiopia. This discrepancy could be attributed to difference in the management
system.

V.

Conclusion

In general, the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in the study area indicates
gastrointestinal helminthosis to be important heath problem due to its high prevalence and occurrence of polyparasitism. The present study showed that older sheep and goats were more susceptible to helminthosis than
younger once and considerable relation between species of animals, study period (season) and age groups. In
both sheep and goats, the nematode parasites were the most predominant parasites followed by trematode and
the cestode. The sheep are more susceptible to helminthosis than goats. Majority of the sheep and goats were
infected by two and more parasite types with some animals showing pure infection.
References

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